Are you getting ready for the holidays? I am. From past years, it gets so busy in my household around this time of year, so it is never too early to start my holiday sewing. This year I decided to sew velvet, a fabric I had not sewn for many years but I think it is luxurious.
As luck would have it, FM’s poly rich black velvet flashed on my computer screen and I bought lots. I thought it would be pretty for a one-shoulder gown, which I had never worn before but admired on others. The following week FM’s multi-colored one showed up. It was a poly embossed Bohemian print velvet with jade, yellowish, and crimson colors; it screamed fall and family get-togethers. I just had to have it! When the fabrics arrived, the deep colors did not disappoint.
I chose Butterick B6557 for both dresses, View B for the knee-length printed dress and View C for the maxi dress. It was perfect for velvets; the front was one whole piece and so was the back. I cut the fabrics with the nap going down. From my muslin, I cut a size 16. Pattern weights and silk pins really helped anchor the fabrics. Lining is a must and so is an invisible zipper. I did not prewash the fabrics since the finished dresses will be dry cleaned.
To sew the dresses, I used a walking foot, a Teflon foot, an invisible zipper foot, and microtex needle. I tested my stitches and tension on fabric scraps first as velvet tends to slip a bit. Also, these velvets sewed differently from each other. The pattern instructions were clear. I took a chance at making close fitting dresses from velvet and am pleased with the fit. After hanging the dresses for 24 hours, I hemmed them by hand.
Modifications: I shortened the bodice darts by one inch on each end for more room. Because I could not use fusible interfacing on velvet, I used a grosgrain ribbon on the neckline instead. This would ensure the one- shoulder neckline did not roll down. For the shorter dress, I added black lace trim to the sleeves.
I am very happy with my first one-shoulder dresses. I am ready for the holidays – the multi-colored one for Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings and the long one for formal events, including new year’s celebrations.
All the best for your holiday sewing,
Unfortunately Fabric Mart Fabrics sell out quickly!
You can find similar fabrics by shopping the following categories VELVET.
You did a Great Job! Both are Very Pretty!
ReplyDeleteBoth very nice and looks good on you. You're ready for the holidays!!!
ReplyDeleteThese are both beautiful. I might be mistaken, but I think I saw a review by you of Vogue 1706 on another website. That was also a stunning outfit. You have a great sense of style.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these dresses are beautiful on you. It has been years since I sewed with velvet. You did such a great job. Enjoy your Holiday Season.
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern choice for some stunning fabrics!
ReplyDeleteHow very Lovely
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